Discuss the tenancy before choosing a selling date. You may sell with the tenancy continuing, or plan for vacant possession where the agreement and law allow it. Bring the tenancy documents into the conversation with your salesperson, property manager and lawyer.
The buyer can become the new landlord while the existing tenancy continues on its terms. Update landlord contact, rent-payment and bond records as required. A sale does not itself end a fixed-term tenancy or allow an early termination notice simply because the buyer wants the home vacant.
For a periodic tenancy, an unconditional sale agreement requiring vacant possession can involve at least 42 days’ written notice. Ending a periodic tenancy to market the property vacant has a separate ground requiring at least 90 days’ written notice, with the property then put on the market within 90 days after the tenancy ends.
Check the actual tenancy, grounds and notice-service requirements before promising a settlement date. Fixed-term expiry and early ending have their own rules; a mutually agreed ending must be discussed rather than assumed. Use Tenancy Services’ selling guidance alongside your lawyer’s advice.
Tell the tenant in writing when putting the property on the market. Obtain permission for photographs and buyer access. Tenants can set reasonable access conditions and refuse open homes or photographs of their possessions. Ordinary inspection notice does not grant automatic open-home access.
Agree a practical schedule and record it in writing. Consider the tenant’s home when discussing presentation, appointments and the information buyers need.
Explore our Tuakau sales team and selling guide, or call 09 236 8447 to discuss the property. Coordinate tenancy and sale terms before making commitments about possession.